In an address to a joint meeting of Congress marking the 70th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Jens Stoltenberg, the civilian leader of the alliance, told lawmakers that NATO makes the United States “stronger, safer, and more secure.”
Rebutting President Trump’s contention yesterday that NATO “basically is protecting Europe,” with America footing too much of the bill, Stoltenberg mounted a spirited argument that America gets as much from NATO as it gives.
“NATO has been good for Europe, but NATO has also been good for the United States,” Stoltenberg declared, after thanking America for its “enduring support,” which he said has kept Europe peaceful and prosperous.
“The strength of a nation is not only measured by the size of its economy or the number of its soldiers, but also by the number of its friends. And through NATO, the United States has more friends and allies than any other power,” Stoltenberg told senators and representatives packed into the House chamber. “This has made United States stronger, safer, and more secure.”
Stoltenberg began his speech by noting, “70 years ago tomorrow, NATO’s founding treaty was signed in this great city.” His address was the first ever given by a NATO secretary general to Congress.
NATO is not only the longest-running military alliance in history, Stoltenberg said, it is the most successful.
“No NATO ally has been attacked by another. The Cold War ended without a shot being fired in Europe. And we have experienced an unprecedented period of peace,” he said.
Stoltenberg did give a nod to Trump, crediting the president with persuading more member nations to meet their commitment to spend at least 2 percent of their GDP on improving military capabilities.
“NATO allies must spend more on defense. This has been the clear message from President Trump, and this message is having a real impact,” he said.
“After years of reducing defense budgets, all allies have stopped the cuts and all allies have increased defense spending. Before they were cutting billions. Now they’re adding billions,” Stoltenberg said. He noted that European countries and Canada have spent an additional $41 billion on defense since Trump took office. “By the end of next year, that figure will rise to $100 billion,” he said. President Trump took credit for considerably more Tuesday, claiming his efforts have already resulted in an additional $140 billion, with “another $100 billion more by 2020.”
The Republican side of the chamber was emptier than the Democratic side, but GOP lawmakers were quick to stand and applaud when Stoltenberg declared the alliance was mutually beneficial to NATO and the United States. Among those who took to their feet were House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., who share close relationships with President Trump, as well as Vice President Mike Pence.
After concluding his address, Stoltenberg was greeted warmly by senators and House members as he walked down the middle of the chamber to exit. He spoke briefly with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who introduced Stoltenberg to a group of GOP senators with whom he was sitting, including Mitt Romney, R-Utah. The NATO leader also shook the hand of Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., one of more than a dozen Democratic presidential candidates vying for the nomination.
[Opinion: On Wednesday, Congress cheered NATO. But applause is not enough]
